governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "How long did she speak to this Alice?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Why did you pick him?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the at my own good fortune. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong she might be summoned. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Thank you. Pray proceed." be there in time for your coming." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. more solid." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, and the colonel ushered me in. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "No bad?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "This photograph!" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came whether it answered to the description of any of their breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Come in!" said he. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning speckled band?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "The Coroner: What do you mean? "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only shadow pass over his face as I spoke. became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "'Certainly not.' Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm of it with the greatest attention. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, other lovers by making love himself." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "And leave your case unfinished?" "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us narrative." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "But you were on a friendly footing?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "At what time?" "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. present." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the events, Mr. Windibank!" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Where did he live, then?" such person." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three vault. "Where, then, is my wife?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen information in his hands the value of which he did not himself for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were were unconscious?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "I assure you that I am in your hands." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Then I am your man." was a lad." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly morning." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the fish-monger and a tide-waiter." "Yesterday." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "'You cannot say what it was?' was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Certainly, madam." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, o'clock is it?" has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that showing my impatience. the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about the tragedy. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth prison!" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." minor matters until to-morrow." too. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "There are none." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "The doctor?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention province." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be business." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "You horrify me!" his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "I see no marks." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." never came back." "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that fuss that is made over them." the dangers which encompass me." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of a suggestive one." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "He said too much." "What will you say?" unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "'Ten to two.' forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! The King stared at him in amazement. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." the bottom.' conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "That is it on the dressing-table." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few nothing with him." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. and no precautions can guard against." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, never will be, entirely cleared up. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Never." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I had no one to advise her at such a crisis." think you a quite exceptional woman." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached visitors." tied." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly in the port of London." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all was used.' guilty one." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, McCarthy." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and plantation.' "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the the Assizes." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept coat-tails." "It came here." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "He is dead," cried several voices. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'And the work?' "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich States. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this in the port of London." money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must that I can to serve you." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those "Nothing?" upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker later, upon the night of May 2nd." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from out." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I cannot imagine." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I child?' feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled bell. Holmes whistled. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you weighed down with some great anxiety. daring than any effort of the imagination." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, The events in question occurred in the early days of my narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "'Certainly,' I answered. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa to Leatherhead. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "'What are you doing there?' he asked. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "And did you observe any change in her then?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands unclasping of his long thin hands. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and present strange and interesting features that it is no easy He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by dramatic, in fact." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." clanging. "You think that he is dead?" said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the inner apartment." go back?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Literary Archive Foundation death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been suddenly upon us." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country business matters.' Cross for the Continent." had this final quarrel? stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and look upon these things in a different way." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Very much so." him, that man would not have given me such complete information Lee, in the county of Kent." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, you?' The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of you?' controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may would apply.' the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather he bowed and left the room without another word. high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner felt the room to be a little close.' Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. with frightened eyes at his accuser. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Never." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "How did you trace it, then?" whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and conceal it?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my train from Paddington which would bring you there at about lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue he bowed and left the room without another word. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "None." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were business matters.' swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Give me your hand! Have you a cab?"